Louie Bellson

Biography

Louie Bellson is one of jazz's finest drummers. He pounded the skins with Benny Goodman, Harry James, and Tommy Dorsey before joining the Duke Ellington Orchestra and then Count Basie's band. Not content to simply work with royalty, Bellson has led his own groups for decades -- beside his outstanding percussive abilities, he is a first rate arranger and composer. He was married to Pearl Bailey (and was also her musical director). Bellson was also the house drummer for the Verve and Pablo labels.